Phelan: Geneva is enjoying annual homecoming festivities

Published: Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012 5:30 a.m. CST

By COURTNEY PHELAN – editorial@kcchronicle.com

Every fall, high schools around the country have homecoming.

It’s supposed to be a time when the alumni come back and visit, but it has morphed into more of a weeklong celebration of school spirit. St. Charles East and Batavia have already had their homecomings, and Geneva’s is this week.

So far, it’s been a great week, and I’m very excited for the upcoming festivities.

At school, we’ve been having “spirit days” every day. Although this year’s themes are different than in past years, Geneva students have come out strong and supportive.

The powder puff football games – girls playing football against girls while the guys coach – draw big numbers of fans and spectators.

My class finally unleashed its anger on the underclassman for things such as stealing our upperclassman dance dates.

Friday is a huge day for Geneva students. First, there’s the parade through downtown Geneva at 2 p.m.

All sports teams, clubs and organizations march through our town, and we get very into it.

I know that many groups will be distributing candy, and I have inside information that the swim team’s outfits will be awesome.

Get to State Street early to find a spot, and maybe you’ll see some teens that you know.

Also on Friday is the football game against Elgin. Our boys have been practicing hard, and it would be great if we had a huge fan base. I know that many students will go.

At Geneva, we love football, and despite our less-than-perfect record this year, we will stand by our team.

The homecoming game also showcases the marching band, cheerleaders and dance team, so going to the game is a great way to encourage the students.

I’ll be there – will you?

And on Saturday is the event that everyone is waiting for – the homecoming dance.

That has entailed months of preparation by student council; boys shaking in their boots to ask girls to the dance; and girls striving to find the perfect dresses.

I know that it can be nerve-racking to look perfect, but what really matters is having fun.

Bust out some crazy dance moves. Dance with someone new.

Actually do all the moves to the “Cha Cha Slide.”

Enjoying yourself is what matters at dances, not if your hair fell out.

And under no circumstances should anyone at the homecoming dance participate in back-to-front dancing.

It’s looking like it’ll be a great homecoming week and great homecoming weekend. I hope everyone keeps it classy, and that non-GHS students can come out and enjoy the party, too.

Have a fun and safe homecoming, Geneva.

• Courtney Phelan is a senior at Geneva High School. She is an outgoing and energetic young writer who likes to swim, read and participate in general teenage activities. She can be contacted at editorial@kcchronicle.com.